Spacecraft's Final Mission Will Get Closest Look at Saturn Ever

Dec. 2, 2016 - Soon we'll be able to see the rings of Saturn in more detail than ever. The spacecraft Cassini is starting its final mission as it approaches the ringed planet, after launching into space nearly two decades ago. The spacecraft entered Saturn’s orbit in 2004, and captured images of two previously undiscovered moons. In September 2017, Cassini will ultimately enter the gaseous upper atmosphere of Saturn itself, where it will burn up. The Cassini orbiter is part of a joint mission between NASA and the European Space Agency.
CAPTION: The Cassini spacecraft will fly close to Saturn’s rings, and then enter the planet's gaseous atmosphere.

Spacecraft's Final Mission Will Get Closest Look at Saturn Ever

Dec. 2, 2016 - Soon we'll be able to see the rings of Saturn in more detail than ever. The spacecraft Cassini is starting its final mission as it approaches the ringed planet, after launching into space nearly two decades ago. The spacecraft entered Saturn’s orbit in 2004, and captured images of two previously undiscovered moons. In September 2017, Cassini will ultimately enter the gaseous upper atmosphere of Saturn itself, where it will burn up. The Cassini orbiter is part of a joint mission between NASA and the European Space Agency.
CAPTION: The Cassini spacecraft will fly close to Saturn’s rings, and then enter the planet's gaseous atmosphere.